LP Gas, February 2012
COMPANIES TO WATCH PK Propane Otoe Missouria Tribe gives members local community another option TEAM Randy Shotton site manager Abe Dent and Deswood Koshiway delivery drivers service technicians Melissa Dunn customer service representative LOCATION Red Rock Okla FOUNDED 2011 EMPLOYEES 4 CUSTOMERS About 300 STORAGE About 18000 gallons ONLINE www pkpropane com it would be There were some large up front costs buying the equipment needed to dispense and transport propane in addition to training staff but we felt like were in it for the long term and we want to continue to grow our business LPG Does your company have a unique story to tell Let us put it in writing E mail brichesson@ questex com BY BRIAN RICHESSON SENIOR EDITOR P K Propane plans to maximize and capitalize on a minimum requirement The start up Oklahoma retailer marked its one year anniversary in January after the Otoe Missouria Tribe saw a need for a local propane supplier to help tribal members and anyone else struggling to pay high heating costs The primary reason for the new company was to assist our elders during the wintertime says Lester Harragarra company manager and an Otoe Missouria Development Authority board member The authority is responsible for managing the tribes current and future economic development ventures The need was recognized by the current chairman John Shotton for assisting these elderly people on fixed incomes Harragarra adds Some propane companies had a minimum amount of delivery and it was difficult for some people on fixed incomes to meet especially with escalating prices of heating during the wintertime PK Propane is working to make a name for itself in the area using its competitive pricing and customer service being reliable and timely on deliveries to separate from the competition Harragarra says The company is located on tribal land halfway between Ponca City and Stillwater The most important thing is were open to service anybody Harragarra says With the tribal leaders not having an extensive background in propane PK Propane hired two employees at the outset from a larger company in the Tulsa area to get the venture up and running Harragarra adds PK Propane now reaches about 300 mostly residential customers in a 50 mile service area with one bobtail while it seeks another and it fills forklift RV and 20 pound cylinders After the heating season the company wants to begin securing more commercial accounts in the Ponca City and Stillwater areas leading to more steady dependable business year round Asked about starting a business in todays unstable economic climate Harragarra says Theres always some apprehension about how successful Email brichesson@ questex com 64 LPGas February 2012 www LPGasmagazine com
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